Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation (ASD) – Practical Guide

Anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is a sustainable alternative to chemical soil treatments that controls soil-borne diseases, pests, and weeds. It involves incorporating fresh organic matter into soil, wetting the soil, and covering it with a virtually impermeable film (VIF) to create an anaerobic environment. Microorganisms consume oxygen during organic matter degradation, and fermentation produces volatile fatty acids toxic to many pathogens. Beneficial soil organisms often survive, preventing sterilisation. The process is illustrated step-by-step with visuals showing equipment use and application procedures. Developed by Wageningen University & Research, ASD is supported by the EU Horizon 2020 Programme (Grant Agreement no. 817696).